We are great at celebrating the achievements of our young people. We regularly shout about the milestones our volunteers reach. But there is a group of people who often do some of the most important work in Scouting without much fanfare at all, and that is our trustees.
Trustees work tirelessly in the background, making sure that groups are run safely, legally, and responsibly. They keep the organisation on solid ground so that everyone else can focus on delivering brilliant Scouting to young people. It is quiet, unglamorous work, and it matters enormously.
Today, at the Vale of Clwyd District Hike, the District Lead Volunteer had the privilege of recognising two trustees from 1st Rhyl Scout Group who go well above and beyond. Emma Williams and Beth Lyons have both been awarded the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service, signed off by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the group and the young people within it.
The pair were nominated by Gavin Turner, Group Lead Volunteer at 1st Rhyl, who was thrilled when he heard the nomination had been successful.
About the Award
The Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service is awarded in recognition of at least five years of good service that stands out. It is the Chief Scout’s way of recognising the very real contribution made to Scouts by the individual concerned, and it sits at the entry point of a progressive series of good service awards.
Why Emma and Beth?
District Lead Volunteer Jacob Jones said: “Emma and Beth are always extremely enthusiastic when it comes to ensuring that young people have access to the best opportunities. They come with new, innovative ideas and always have the young people at the heart of everything that they do.”
That commitment is perhaps best demonstrated through their work supporting 1st Rhyl’s plans for a new build on their current site. Rather than treating it as an adults-only project, Emma and Beth made sure that young people were involved at every step of the way. From Squirrels through to Scouts, the young members of 1st Rhyl have had a real voice in shaping their future home, including meeting with the architect and taking part in a session where the architect came along specifically to ask the young people what they wanted in their new building.
Congratulations to Emma and Beth. Your dedication, your care, and your belief in the young people of 1st Rhyl is something the whole District is proud of. Thank you.
